28th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Shining A Light: Countering Illegal, Coercive, Aggresive, and Deceptive Actions In the South China Sea
ADM Ronnie Gil Gavan highlighted the ongoing challenges the Philippines faces in maintaining a rules-based international order, particularly due to China’s persistent violations of Philippine maritime rights despite the 2016 arbitral ruling. He noted that China has intensified its illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive (ICAD) actions in the West Philippine Sea, targeting Philippine state vessels and fishermen through harassment, shadowing, water cannons, and ramming. These actions directly impact the livelihoods of thousands of Filipino families who depend on resources from the sea.
Despite these threats, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) had remained firm and professional in defending national interests. Key efforts include enhancing maritime domain awareness through advanced surveillance technologies, intelligence-driven patrols, and an increased presence of modern vessels. The PCG had also strengthened intelligence-sharing with international partners and utilized new technologies such as artificial intelligence, automatic identification systems, and Canada’s dark vessel detection system. These improvements, backed by greater budget allocations, have helped counter current threats in the West Philippine Sea.
The PCG had taken proactive steps to monitor and challenge the illegal presence of Chinese vessels in the Philippine EEZ. A notable example was the long-term deployment of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, which successfully patrolled for 152 days despite aggressive harassment from Chinese forces. ADM Gavan emphasized that transparency was a crucial strategy in countering China’s coercive efforts. By publicly exposing unlawful actions through verified reports, images, and videos, the PCG had increased global awareness, held aggressors accountable, and strengthened international support. This transparency initiative aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance that Filipinos do not yield.
